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Perth council suspended by minister

A council in Perth's southeast has been suspended by the West Australian government after a damning report criticised the local mayor's "inappropriate" power and highlighted long-term dysfunction.

WA's Local Government Minister John Castrilli said he was suspending the council of the City of Canning and launching an inquiry to assess the issue.

The report, which was tabled in state parliament last week, singled out Canning mayor Joe Delle Donne and councillor Bruce Mason for failing to disclose their relationship with a legal firm hired by the council that had treated the men to a `free lunch' before they secured a contract.

Mr Delle Donne was also criticised for his decision to suspend chief executive Mark Dacombe without having the authority do so or informing the rest of the council.

Mr Castrilli said an inquiry panel would be appointed to inquire into the city and recommend whether to dismiss the council altogether.

"Having carefully considered the report and its recommendations, I have formed the view that during this process it would be inappropriate for the council to continue to act as the governing body of the City of Canning," the minister said.

A commissioner will be appointed to fulfil the role of the suspended council, the government said.